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10 Tips for Improving Family Mental Health
By the National Mental Health Association
Creating a mentally-healthy environment for you and your family is easy. Regardless of who or how many members make up your family, there are endless ways to achieve mental wellness while relieving stress and spending time with the people you love. Here's a quick list of ideas relieving stress for the Family. Feel free to make your ownthe key words are fun and simple!
- Eat dinner together As many families know, finding time to spend together can be a challenge. Sitting down for a meal once a week or even every other week is a great opportunity to talk, listen and enjoy each other's company.
- Get some exercise We all know exercise can be hard work, but it can also be lots of fun for the family and help you feel great. So get together with loved ones to shoot some hoops, go swimming or play a favorite sport.
- Go to the zoo or a museum Choose a free day and take a trip to the local zoo or museum to learn and explore. Afterwards, treat yourselves to lunch or a healthy snack.
- Take a walk Walking together can be a simple and fun way to get your blood flowing while enjoying the outdoors and the company of loved ones. Pick a scenic route and get moving.
- Watch a movie Pick up a good family film, make some popcorn and stay inside for the night.
- Get enough rest Mental and physical health go hand in hand and you can only be at the top of your game when you've gotten plenty of rest. Make sure you and your family get a full seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Pack a healthy lunch Encourage healthy eating habits by packing a healthy lunch. Substitute chips and a soda with healthier snacks like carrots, raisins and fresh juice or water.
- Read a book together Reading a good book can be one of the simple pleasures of life and a great way to exercise your mind. Select something the whole family can enjoy and read a portion of it aloud each night.
- Plan a picnic Choose a sunny day, pack a nice lunch and head to the park. Bring tennis rackets or a soccer ball and challenge family members to a friendly game.
- Take a vacation Getting away from home and work for a couple days or more is always a treat. Plan a fun an affordable getaway where you and your family can rest, relax and escape your busy schedules.
To learn more, contact your local Mental Health Association or the National Mental Health Association at 800-969- NMHA (6642), or visit www.nmha.org.
Down Range - To Iraq and Back by Bridget Cantrell, Ph.D. and Chuck Dean
Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Returning Soldiers and Their Families (Paperback)
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